One of the more frustrating parts of Europe is eating in restaurants (which we’ve done a lot of). Here is why:

Tipping is not customary, therefore service is not good

You have to purchase water (anywhere from $3-$6 for a 1 liter bottle)

A medium sized soda/lemonade/beverage can cost up to $8, prices are often not listed on the menu, there are no refills

After you’re done you have to flag someone down to ask for a check, which can sometimes take 10-15 minutes

If you need/want anything, much waiting is involved

You don’t have a specific waiter, it’s a group effort from the entire staff, which contributes to the poor service

They charge a “service fee” rather than having a tip system, so you don’t actually get out of paying a tip despite the crappy service, but still have to pay a certain percentage of your bill anyway (10-15%)

Sometimes they tack on an arbitrary “cover charge” if you are sitting in an outdoor table, and sometimes they tack it on for no reason at all